Tell us how you met?
After graduating from college in 2015, we had both separately moved to New York to begin our careers. We had met twice before but had never really interacted beyond the usual pleasantries. All that changed when Brian had his housewarming party in the Upper East Side in Manhattan. We hang out all night and the rest, as they say, is history. Our first real date was a classic NYC date, dinner and a Broadway show (the Color Purple). Two months later, we made it official.
Tell us about the proposal?
I had just moved to South Africa in 2020 and it was our last week in Cape Town before we made a big life move to Johannesburg. We decided to have a ‘last lunch’, get all dressed up and enjoy Cape Town one final time. Brian claimed to have an errand in Camps Bay before we headed to lunch and on the way there, he posited that we stop and take photos at one of my favorite spots, Camps Bay View Point. Surrounded by mountains and deep blue water, he got down on one knee and said “I hope you haven’t made any plans without me” and opened the box to a drop-dead gorgeous ring. I was so incredibly surprised and took the moment in for a quick second before I said an emphatic YES.
Tell us about your engagement ring?
The ring was a custom-made surprise. When Vicky mentioned that she will be moving to South Africa, I immediately knew that it would be the perfect time to propose. However, this was during the pandemic and I really did not know where to begin. After meeting Derrick at Grand Diamonds, I could sense the care and personal touch that would accompany the making of the ring. We synthesized all the notes I had taken on Vicky’s style and came up with a pear-shaped diamond on a halo setting in a yellow gold band. For a personal touch; the Pisces birthstone, aquamarine was nestled under the rock making it all the more special. The timing was tight, but it did not take away from the care and dexterity with which the ring was made. Pure perfection!
Any advice to other couples looking to get engaged?
Try not to overthink it and focus on the present. At the right time, plan for the future. Engagement is a special passageway into what is a beautiful future together so the best preparation is to discuss what would come next. That said, make the engagement special, enjoy it.
